Europe Travel Guide » Christmas http://www.europetravelguide.net Melissa tips Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:19:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Christmas Shopping in Naples Italy http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/christmas-shopping-in-naples-italy/ http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/christmas-shopping-in-naples-italy/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:41:50 +0000 Melissa http://www.europetravelguide.net/?p=212 Christmas season in Naples, Italy is usually celebrated every December 24 to January 6.  The people in Naples celebrate the season from the Eve of Christmas to its epiphany.  Although they start their celebration at 24 many Christmas events are most likely found earlier than 24.  Following the pagan way in old Italy.  In the eve of Christmas people at Naples dine the traditional 7 dishes of fish.  One of the many traditions of  the people at Naples is the bagpipe and flute playing also known as the zampognari and pifferai. They often wear traditional colorful costumes with sheepskin vests, long white stockings, and dark cloaks. Many of them travel from the mountains of the Abruzzo region to play outside churches and in popular city squares. Naples is the best city to visit for their presepi. Hundreds of nativity scenes are erected throughout the city. Some creches are very elaborate and may be handmade or use antique figures. Naples has a lot of nativity scenes it’s a tradition at Naples that is followed and passed by thru generations.

The greatest attraction during Christmas season in Naples is the little shops selling the terracotta nativity scenes with quaint figures. They are open all year long and the Christmas season is the best time to visit this street. A number of nativity shops have flooded the streets of Naples. The nativity of Christ is the most indispensable object in the market. In Via San Gregorio Armeno, religious or not religiously inclined there are best buys for you.

Where to shop during the Christmas season in Naples isn’t so hard to go either. There are certain districts in Naples that are more specialized than others. There are designer clothes whre you’ll find the most expensive boutiques in and around Piazza dei Martiri, there is also an area around Via dei Mille which is not so expensive, but quality buys I must say. The Vomero district has a long line of clothing and accessory shops, from whre you could drop your eyeballs out and shop for sales. If you’re up for shopping for furniture and fittings, Piazza Municipio and via dei Mille is the place suited for you. Antique buyers must visit via D. Morelli or towards via Costantinopoli in the historic centre.

Although the transportation and some restaurants in Naples are closed during this season you can make your travel a lot easier by renting a car or by foot.  The restaurants of some hotels are also open where they serve special food in Christmas season.  Although Christmas dinners at Naples are meat based, people who are vegetarian are allowed and is given by the restaurant the food they want to eat, they also have Christmas cookies for everyone.  Aside from traditional Christmas beliefs, Naples also is a fun and amusing city.  The Edenlandia Amusement Park is filled with lights and a lot of promos to enjoy this Christmas season.  Children from 12 onwards will surely enjoy the treats.  Truly an educational trip to experience before the Christmas day.  Visit Naples in this holy Christmas season but don’t forget to bring your family along with you.

Related posts

]]> http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/christmas-shopping-in-naples-italy/feed/ 0 Christmas Shopping in London http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/christmas-shopping-in-london/ http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/christmas-shopping-in-london/#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:37:59 +0000 Melissa http://www.europetravelguide.net/?p=209 London is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas.  Aside for its great ambience and romantic setting, London is the perfect place that is depicted in the song White Christmas.  White and bright, London really is glowing in Christmas season.  A priceless lightshow in Oxford, even the streets are lit with candle light bulbs and lights.  Don’t forget the parks and restaurants glowing to showing the world how brightly the people in London celebrate Christmas.

The Trafalgar Square benefits from a huge Christmas tree each year as a present from Norway for the country’s help during the Second World War. Every Christmas this tree is filled with full flashed lights.

In Oxford, the longest and busiest shopping street in London every Christmas you will find your  Christmas gifts and materials that you will love.  The items are priced less than the original for it’s a treat for the Christmas holiday.
Although most known places in London are close this holiday like the Tower of London and also the busses are closed in this time of year but don’t worry because London is a walkable city.  You might enjoy London better thru feet.

A Christmas shopping experience in London depends on how much you want to spend on it. For controlled budget the street of Oxford is the place of John Lewis, an all time favorite by Londoners.  This is an old establishment building known for its wide range of choices like quality household goods; it also sells labels like Dior, Chanel and Gucci. They are famous for their slogan ‘we are never knowingly undersold’.

For those people who don’t have to control their budget the Liberty and Hamley are the two leading stores in London.  The Liberty in London is known as the most popular department store in London and is also known to have high quality Christmas gifts, they also have oriental goods and fine British fabrics. The greatest thing that Liberty can offer its shoppers is the unique craftsmanship and fabrics that the people in London adore.  Signature products by Liberty are well known Christmas present in London.  The Hamley started in 1700 where the owner first started selling gas lights.  Now Hamley is known to produce great quality of toys.  Since it has grown to be the biggest toy shop in the world parents often bring their kids here to have a full choice toys they want to have.  These two places are called the Regent Street of shopping in London where only the high classed people go. The word ‘elegant’ is often used when referring to Regent Street. It is long and curving and lined with grand Regency buildings. It’s a London tradition to come to Regent Street for the Christmas lights. The best way to see them is from an upstairs’ seat of a double-decker bus, preferably at the front.

Shopping in London is a great experience it fulfillment money can’t buy. Enjoy the Christmas shopping.

Related posts

]]> http://www.europetravelguide.net/2009/christmas-shopping-in-london/feed/ 1